David Beckham visits Nordoff Robbins ahead of HMV Football Extravaganza

David Beckham OBE visited the UK’s leading music therapy charity, Nordoff Robbins, recently, ahead of the HMV Football Extravaganza (FE) where he will be honoured with the Legend of Football Award and his remarkable football career will be celebrated.

This year is the 20th anniversary of the HMV Football Extravaganza. It will take place on Tuesday 1st September at The Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

David Beckham has received a great many sporting accolades but this event will be the first time that he will be honoured in the company of his fans and the wider footballing public. This special event is close to being a sell-out, but a few tables are still available - contact Rae@TheFE.co.uk.

The HMV Football Extravaganza is a unique event, attracting the world’s leading footballers and the cream of the entertainment industry. Previous recipients of the Legend of Football Award, which recognises outstanding achievement in the world of football and contribution to the beautiful game, include Sir Bobby Robson CBE, Sir Bobby Charlton CBE, Sir Alex Ferguson CBE, Eric Cantona, Tony Adams, José Mourinho, Pelé and Ryan Giggs OBE amongst others.

To date, the HMV Football Extravaganza has raised nearly £7 million for Nordoff Robbins, enabling them to provide tens of thousands of music therapy sessions for some of the UK’s most isolated and vulnerable people.

Whilst visiting the Nordoff Robbins’ London Centre in Kentish Town, North West London, on Thursday 9 July, David met 11 year old Romano who has autism, global development delay and dyspraxia. Romano has been coming to Nordoff Robbins for 5 years to help him develop his speech and communication skills and to build his confidence.

David Beckham OBE said “It was a real pleasure to see Nordoff Robbins’ work and to meet Romano and his family. It was truly amazing to see how music therapy has changed Romano’s life, and learn about how it has helped him develop confidence.

“I feel honoured to be receiving the Legend of Football Award at the HMV Football Extravaganza. It is a real privilege to be part of this prestigious event, especially in this 20th anniversary year.”

Brian McLaughlin, Chairman of The HMV Football Extravaganza and Nordoff Robbins Governor said:“We are absolutely thrilled that David Beckham has accepted our prestigious Legend of Football Award. David is, without doubt, one of the world's footballing greats and I am delighted he will be joining us. We have had many great nights since this event began and been joined by some exceptional football personalities. With David Beckham on our team it guarantees this tremendous tradition will be upheld on the occasion of our 20th Anniversary”.

Tickets for the HMV Football Extravaganza are available now from Rae@TheFE.co.uk.